Financial Services Regulation: Consumer Finance (Enforcement & Investigations)
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 1
Contact number
202 662 6000Chambers Review
Covington & Burling LLP is an established presence in the regulatory arena with a strong showing in Washington, DC. Continues to impress across the banking compliance and enforcement spaces and is recommended for the depth of its political connections. Noted strength in FinTech, data privacy and anti-money laundering, among other areas. Frequently engaged to represent financial institutions in investigations by the CFPB, among other regulatory authorities. Clients of the firm include multinational banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions.
Work Highlights
- Covington & Burling LLP represented Cross River Bank in its consent order with the FDIC.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Covington's depth and breadth is exceptional, including on regulatory matters as well as understanding the FinTech space."
"The firm consistently provides thorough research on the legal landscape, thoughtful and practical advice, and insight into industry practices."
"The firm has an excellent track record in handling highly complex legal matters and its attorneys demonstrate exceptional judgement in providing legal and business advice to its clients."
"Covington is very practical and has a good business sense."
"Covington's depth and breadth is exceptional, including on regulatory matters as well as understanding the FinTech space."
"The firm consistently provides thorough research on the legal landscape, thoughtful and practical advice, and insight into industry practices."
"The firm has an excellent track record in handling highly complex legal matters and its attorneys demonstrate exceptional judgement in providing legal and business advice to its clients."
"Covington is very practical and has a good business sense."
Notable Practitioners
Jean Veta is a leading name in the financial services field, noted for her expert counsel on bank-related examination, enforcement and compliance issues.
"Jean has a commanding knowledge of the law, excellent judgement and a passion for zealous representation of her client."
"Jean always delivers high quality written work product and she has a gift of developing effective strategies to achieve a successful outcome."
"She has tons of legal acumen and can efficiently run a team to make sure you're firing on all cylinders."
Eric Mogilnicki brings to bear two decades of experience in the financial services sector when representing clients. He is particularly noted for his expertise in CFPB matters.
"He has enormous breadth of experience and is really at the very top of the practice."
"Eric is excellent. He is a very eloquent writer, very knowledgeable about the regulations and familiar with the political sensitivities."
Valerie Hletko is an experienced litigator with a robust grounding in consumer protection laws. She is particularly noted for her expertise in fair lending matters.
"She is terrific. She understands the issues and how to present them."
"She is a great attorney. Valerie is very efficient and smart."
Frank Conner is held in high regard for his seasoned expertise in M&A. He frequently represents a wide range of banking industry participants in major transactions.
Andrew Smith regularly advises clients on major consumer financial issues. He is particularly noted for his expertise on FTC regulations and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
"He has encyclopedic knowledge of regulatory statutes and provides a holistic view in a way that everyone can understand."
"Andrew has exceptional industry knowledge of regulatory issues."
"He is an extremely accomplished financial services lawyer."
Washington-based Michael Nonaka is cochair of the firm's financial services group. He has experience of advising banks and financial institutions on a range of issues, including regulatory licensing, anti-money laundering and FinTech matters.
"Michael has incredible depth of knowledge and is fantastic in times of crisis."
"He can really help a business with the problems they're facing and understands what advice is helpful."
"Mike provides clear, thoughtful guidance no matter how complex the situation. He is able to easily adapt over a variety of issues."
Noted lawyer Randy Benjenk is well regarded for his regulatory practice, which sees him assisting a range of domestic and international banks with diverse compliance matters.
"He provides solid advice and counsel on bank regulations and puts that advice into practical and workable solutions."
"Randy is highly experienced and a very capable attorney. He is very responsive to the needs of his clients."
"Randy Benjenk is an outstanding bank regulatory lawyer."
Nikhil Gore focuses his practice on regulatory issues for financial institutions and global corporations. He is noted for his breadth of experience, which includes fair lending and FinTech.
"He is highly knowledgeable about financial services regulatory matters and has a strong command of the law and requirements."
"Nikhil has a very strong pulse on what's going on in the regulatory world to help strike the right balance."